Defense Sector Reformation Discussed by Eugen Sturza and James Pettit

CHISINAU, November 14, 2017 — Minister of Defense Eugen Sturza met today with Ambassador of the USA in the Republic of Moldova, James D. Pettit.

The officials talked about the defense cooperation between the two countries and the new opportunities for strengthening the partnership between the armies of the Republic of Moldova and the USA.

Minister Sturza presented to Ambassador Pettit the reformation plan he wants to accomplish during his mandate, with a focus on approving the strategic documents — National Defense Strategy and Military Strategy, increasing the budget for the defense sector, and intensifying the participation of National Army service members in peacekeeping operations.

Eugen Sturza thanked the US Government for the support offered through assistance and training programs aiming to consolidate the Moldovan defense system. The Minister of Defense mentioned the training of service members in specialized educational institutions from the USA, the endowment with equipment and vehicles, as well as the joint activities and exercises of the National Army and the North Carolina National Guard.

The Minister of Defense appreciated the contribution of the USA to the reconstruction of the National Army Military Training Base from Bulboaca in the framework of the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI). Eugen Sturza mentioned that due to this project the Moldovan service members who are to be deployed to foreign missions will benefit from optimal training conditions.

Ambassador James D. Pettit welcomed the appointment of Eugen Sturza as Minister of Defense and expressed the conviction that his initiatives will strengthen the reforms of the defense sector. The official added that the USA will continue to support the National Army’s modernization efforts.